> in a couple of cases it is particularly frustrating for me as I have stories up there which outclass all the nominees by as much as an F-22 Raptor outclasses a Fokker Triplane - but they didn't get nominated.

I hear you. I nearly didn't have time to make any nominations, either-- though I think I caught at least one of yours-- but my usual cheerleader didn't make any at all, and my best story of the last two years didn't make the nom lists, period.

Ah, well. There's always next year. Maybe I'll run a "nom these!" campaign post-2009. =)

And thank you for those votes! I really appreciate them.